Relief for QPR as Anzhi buy back Samba

Christopher Samba is on the verge of re-signing for Anzhi Makhachkala from Queens Park Rangers, the Russian club's chairman has said.

Samba, 29, moved from Anzhi to QPR in the January transfer window as Harry Redknapp attempted to shore up his defence in a bid to stave off relegation.

However, the Congo international was unable to help the Rs survive and the club have been keen to get his reported £100,000-a-week pay packet off their wage bill ahead of their return to the Championship.

Despite saying in January that he had "no plans to go back to Russia" as he came to England "to be with my family", Samba now appears set to return to Anzhi.

Konstantin Remchukov, chairman of Anzhi, is quoted in Russian newspaper Sport Express confirming the move, which is believed to be worth £12 million - the same price QPR paid for the centre-back six months ago.

"I confirm that Samba will return to us," Remchukov said. "He will have a medical examination and if everything is in order, then he will once again be our player.

"Especially I would like to note that all the players are looking forward to the return of Samba. A contract will be signed for four years, [but] we do not disclose the transfer fee."

Samba first moved to Anzhi from Blackburn Rovers in 2012 and impressed in the heart of the Dagestan outfit's defence.